Former FANTASY BOYS member Yoo Jun Won has lost a legal dispute with his former production company, with a South Korean court ordering him to pay 685 million won (approximately $490,000) in damages.
On October 8, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of Funky Studio in a lawsuit seeking approximately 3 billion won (around $2.1 million) over Yoo Jun Won's departure from the FANTASY BOYS debut lineup.
Although Funky Studio originally sought 3 billion won in compensation, the court awarded a smaller amount of 685 million won, bringing a significant development to the dispute that began in 2023.
The legal conflict started after Yoo Jun Won finished first on MBC's survival audition program Fantasy Boys, earning a place in the group's planned debut lineup.
However, disagreements arose between Yoo Jun Won and the production company over contract terms, including profit distribution. He ultimately did not participate in the group's debut.
At the time, Funky Studio maintained that Yoo Jun Won had violated contractual obligations by leaving the group without authorization.
Yoo Jun Won's representatives disputed that position, arguing that he had only signed a broadcasting appearance agreement for Fantasy Boys and that negotiations for a separate exclusive management contract had ended without an agreement.
Yoo Jun Won also previously requested a court injunction to suspend the effects of the disputed exclusive contract, but the request was denied.
Following the prolonged disagreement, Funky Studio filed a damages lawsuit seeking approximately 3 billion won.
The case continued through several hearings and unsuccessful mediation attempts before the October 8 ruling.
After the decision, Funky Studio released an official statement confirming the court's order and explaining that it was considering an appeal.
The company stated, "The court ordered Yoo Jun Won to pay 685 million won in damages in the first trial."
Funky Studio also said it believes the amount awarded does not fully reflect the losses it claims to have suffered.
According to the company, "We believe the compensation awarded in the first ruling is insufficient compared to the actual damages and the impact on the industry."
It added that it is reviewing whether to appeal and seek additional compensation beyond its original 3 billion won claim.
Funky Studio further maintained that the ruling recognized Yoo Jun Won's responsibility for his departure and alleged contract violations. However, this interpretation was presented by the company in its statement.
The company said it intends to continue pursuing legal measures to protect its business partners and the remaining FANTASY BOYS members.
Meanwhile, Yoo Jun Won has been preparing for a new start in the entertainment industry.
In June, entertainment agency Conti announced that it had signed an exclusive contract with Yoo Jun Won in March and planned to debut him as a member of a new boy group.
At the time, Conti said it had reviewed his ongoing legal dispute with legal representatives before signing him.
The agency stated that its review found no legal obstacles preventing Yoo Jun Won from continuing his entertainment activities.
Yoo Jun Won also expressed his excitement about returning to music after several difficult years.
He shared, "For the past three years, there were many days when I wanted to speak but couldn't. Now, I've met a company that genuinely wants to help me and members I can move forward with."
However, the latest court decision introduces new uncertainty surrounding his planned activities.
While the first-instance court has ordered Yoo Jun Won to pay 685 million won, Funky Studio has not yet made a final decision on whether to appeal.
The ruling marks an important development in the long-running dispute, although further legal proceedings remain possible.
